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Breast Cancer Self Screening

Prioritising Breast Health: Cancer Awareness & Self-Screening for Prevention

Breast cancer, much like all forms of cancer, can often go unnoticed and untreated for a long time if proactive action is not taken. With a keen interest and expert knowledge of women’s health, Dr Jayani Kannangara has shared her top tips for prioritising your breast health.

An Unwelcome Intruder

Breast cancer is like a stealthy intruder that sneaks into the house of your body. Just as an unwelcome guest can enter your home unnoticed, breast cancer can silently develop within your breast tissue. Like a skilled infiltrator, it spreads its presence without raising any immediate alarms. 

Developing as a tumour and affecting 1 in 9 New Zealand women at some point in their lifetime, breast cancer comes in a few different forms:

  1. Benign (non-cancerous)
  2. Malignant (cancerous) 

Of the malignant forms of breast cancer, there are a few different types that require different treatments. This includes;

  • Pre Invasive Breast Cancer
  • Invasive Breast Cancer

Pre-invasive breast cancer 

Also known as DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) or LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ), isn’t actually breast cancer… yet. However, it can develop into breast cancer if it is left untreated. It’s important to speak with your GP for a proper diagnosis if you notice an unusual lump or growth.

Invasive breast cancer

Invasive breast cancer spreads from the milk ducts or the lobules of the breast into the breast tissue. Often, invasive breast cancer can sometimes be hard to identify. In which case, you may not even realise that it’s there, so it’s best practice to maintain regular Mammograms.

Reducing your Risk of Breast Cancer

Unfortunately, there is not yet an absolutely proven way to prevent breast cancer. However, you can still make proactive lifestyle choices to decrease your risk of developing breast cancer. We can be sure that there are several basic lifestyle-based choices you can make to decrease your chance of developing breast cancer, including:

  • Regular Physical activity
  • Reducing Alcohol consumption
  • Maintaining Healthy Sleep patterns

There are certain risk factors that are associated with breast cancer that we cannot control, including age and genetics. So it’s important to take action on the ones you can control. Regular physical activity such as brisk walking, cycling, or even dancing can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of breast cancer. Limiting alcohol consumption not only reduces your risk of breast cancer but also has many positive effects on your overall health. Finally, your should try to maintain a regular sleep schedule. This includes going to bed and waking up at the same time. As well as maintaining between 7-8 hours of sleep too. 

checking for breast cancer

Time to investigate! 

Breast cancer self-screening is like being the detective of your own health. Just as a skilled detective diligently investigates every clue and follows leads to solve a case, you take on the role of a health detective when you’re checking for breast cancer. Armed with knowledge and awareness, you can carefully examine your breasts, searching for any unusual changes or signs that may indicate a potential health concern. Just like a detective’s keen eye spots even the tiniest details that might go unnoticed by others, your vigilant self-screening allows you to detect any abnormalities at their earliest stages. By taking on this detective role, you become the lead figure in your own health journey, actively working towards the best possible outcome and ensuring that your breast health remains a top priority.

Try following these steps once a month to perform a breast cancer self-screening: 

  1. stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders square and hands on your hips. Keep an eye out for any unusual size, shape or colour, including a dimpling of the skin or unusual soreness or swelling.
  2. Now raise your arms up in the air and check for the same symptoms.
  3. Next, lie down. Using your left hand, carefully feel your right breast, and vice versa for your right breast. Move your fingers in a circular motion, from cleavage to armpit then towards the stomach, and see if you notice any unusual bumps. 
  4. Lastly, repeat the same action whilst standing or sitting.
self screening checklist

When should I contact my GP?

If you do notice something a little out of the ordinary when completing one of your regular self-screening – there is no reason to panic. However, we do encourage swift action. Contact your GP to discuss what is going on. Your GP can effectively assess the situation, provide guidance and determine whether or not further diagnostics tests are necessary. 

It’s important to note that not every breast lump is cancerous. However, it is better to err on the side of caution. 

Do I need a Mammogram if I’m already Self-Screening?

Did you know women have a 95% chance of surviving breast cancer for five years or longer if the cancer is detected by a mammogram? Better yet, in New Zealand women aged between 45 to 69 years can get a free mammogram every 2 years! 

Monthly self-screening, alongside bi-yearly mammograms, ensures you’re doing your best to protect your breasts. A mammogram is a fairly simple process. Your breasts will be gently compressed between two glass slides to obtain clear and detailed images. The glass slides produce specialized X-ray images of the breasts that can detect abnormalities, such as lumps that might not be noticeable when performing self-screening. 

Just as a vigilant homeowner keeps an eye out for any signs of an intruder, it’s important for us to be aware and proactive about our breast health. Regular check-ups, screenings, and self-examinations act as the security system that helps us detect and intercept breast cancer in its early stages. By being proactive and vigilant, we can catch the intruder early. This ensures a better chance at successful treatment and ultimately protects our bodies. Remember, early detection is our best defence against this stealthy foe. 

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